5 Cincinnati Bengals that will suprise fans in 2022

4. Akeem Davis-Gaither

Akeem Davis-Gaither became a starting linebacker last season alongside Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson, but after suffering a season-ending injury, he was quickly forgotten. Although, Davis-Gaither is a very talented player who brings different things to the table.

He will likely receive a similar snap share to last year as the number three linebacker behind Pratt and Wilson. He may even see a slight decrease with Ossai back but heading into year three, but this is a big season for Davis-Gaither, and he’s shown improvements through his first two seasons even while battling injuries.

Expect to see the best version of Davis-Gaither while playing with a much bigger chip on his shoulder. The former fourth-round pick will fly under the radar as one of the more forgotten Bengals, but he has a ton of ability coming out of Appalachian State that he hasn’t been able to fully put on display yet.

This will be the first season where he should see significant snaps and have the opportunity to perform because he has questions to answer to the Bengals’ front office if he is a long-term piece or not.